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The surrounding cemetery is enclosed by a low brick wall with a plinth and blue limestone covering slabs, above which is an iron gate with elaborate cast-iron columns. The western and eastern entrances are flanked by block pillars. The gravestones vary in both design and material, the oldest of which, primarily made of blue limestone, date back to the second half of the 19th century. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)

A colorful discovery for artists and admirers. Historical context: In the late 1960s, the Mechelen city council wanted to build a conference center at this location. The location was ideal, with the E19 motorway nearby. One problem: there was no significant conference infrastructure. Several Belgian entrepreneurs were willing to build and operate the complex. The building was to have 18 floors, including meeting rooms, restaurants, and hotel rooms. Construction began in 1972 but was soon halted. According to some sources, this was because the building subsided into the marshy subsoil, while others attributed it to a lack of financing. The project went horribly wrong. The shell was only two stories high. For over 50 years, nature has been given free rein. All sorts of rare animals and plants now live in and around the ruins. A boardwalk leads to the first floor of the shell. Enjoy the many street art works without disturbing the natural environment. You can also literally climb this highlight from this level via a staircase to a viewpoint. Admire and marvel at how nature and street art artists breathe new life into this site.

Perhaps you've already spotted a small tower from afar, proudly rising above the greenery and the Rupeldijk. The tower belongs to Den Bocht Castle, situated in a bend in the Rupel River. However, this small castle wasn't the first structure on this site. A 16th-century map already shows two moated farms: De Bocht Farm and the old stone fortress Steendere, which some even believe dates back to Roman times. Remnants of this can be recognized as a large body of water just behind the Rupeldijk.

The Eglegem Pond covers over 43 hectares and was created in the late 1960s as a sand extraction pit for the construction of the E19 motorway. During the winter, large flocks of waterfowl settle here, including shelduck, tufted duck, pochard, gadwall, grebe, coot, and black-headed gull. Eco-friendly bank and roadside management is being implemented around the Eglegem Pond.

An ideal place to stop for a drink or a snack. Note: closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

From here, you'll find yourself at the entrance to the Vrijbroekpark Hotel Ruin. Cycling is not permitted here. You can explore the Hotel Ruin and the Street Art Festival at a walking pace.

Adjust speed: watch out for traffic from different directions (cyclists and pedestrians).

Right next to the heritage gem - the Heidemolen - is the Estaminet Molenhuis, a charming catering establishment housed in the former miller's house.